Texas Hunting Forum

Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle

Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 08:27 PM

Hello Everyone,

What type of bolt action rifle and scope you recommend I buy? This my first bolt action rifle I will be buying besides the AR 15 I have. I am not sure what caliber to get, 207,30-06, 308, etc.

My budget is $600 to $700 with scope preferably mounted

Questions:

1. Which rifle has less re-coil?
2. What are the rifle shooting distance?

I plan to hunt hog and deer in Texas up to 200 feet I believe.

Thank you
Posted By: Cleric

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 09:22 PM

I would role a tikka. Caliber is going to cause a debate but I would get 308. Inside 200 yard they are all the same
Posted By: Texas Dan

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 09:30 PM

Why did I suspect the first suggestion would be a Tikka.
Posted By: Buzzsaw

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 09:33 PM

Ruger American Predator 6.5 Creedmoor, Leupold VX-1 scope

No Tikka or Vortex
Posted By: Cleric

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 09:34 PM

Originally Posted By: Texas Dan
Why did I suspect the first suggestion would be a Tikka.


I am usually a Remington guy... but there qc is going down. Savage are meh to me. The Henry long ranger is the sale section could be interesting.

Tikka has developed a steady product with good results
Posted By: Cleric

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 09:35 PM

You could also get a Grendel upper for your ar or buy a Grendel ar
Posted By: el_cazador713

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 09:40 PM

I'd recommend a Tikka, Savage, or Ruger. All will provide excellent accuracy and everything you need for a hunting rifle. Go look at them, see which one fits you better. Caliber debate could go for days but I'm a 6.5 creedmoor fan. Others I'd look at hard are 7-08 and 308.
Posted By: scottfromdallas

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 09:43 PM

Originally Posted By: Buzzsaw
Ruger American Predator 6.5 Creedmoor, Leupold VX-1 scope

No Tikka or Vortex


Not bad. I like the Predator but make it a 308 and Weaver Fixed 4X.
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 09:48 PM

Tikka 7mm-08.

Ammo from:

dallasreloads.com/product-category/rifle-ammo/7mm-08/

If the day comes you want to go on a hunt where distances may increase, you're already set.
Posted By: Dalee7892

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 10:12 PM

Why not the 3006? Have a full range of selection from light recoil to 200 grn..
Posted By: TFF Caribou

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 10:19 PM

Originally Posted By: Dalee7892
Why not the 3006? Have a full range of selection from light recoil to 200 grn..


Some folks are afraid of recoil.

Savage makes a package with a Nikon prostaff. Good combo for the money. .270 will always be a good round.
Posted By: Amarillo.Hunter

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 10:20 PM

I'd go Tikka, but Savage and Ruger both make a fine rifle in your price range.

Caliber....6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08. Both will serve you well for practically anything.
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 10:44 PM

Originally Posted By: Dalee7892
Why not the 3006? Have a full range of selection from light recoil to 200 grn..


I wouldn't put a new hunter amd shooter behind a long action. If they get recoil shy, they might hang it all up forever and/ or develop the flinch that equates to misses or worse, wounded animals.

Yes the .30-06 has lots of bullet options, but so does an extremely long list of other cartridges.
Posted By: Cleric

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 10:56 PM

Originally Posted By: Dalee7892
Why not the 3006? Have a full range of selection from light recoil to 200 grn..


I would avoid because it’s losing popularity. Yes it covers a range. But I do not think there are many situations that you would need it. The 308 is available everywhere.

You could go with a 30-30 lever if you wanted to go old school
Posted By: exoticbob

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 11:06 PM

Savage nikon pkg in either 6.5 cm or 270.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 11:48 PM

Originally Posted By: Cleric
[quote=Texas Dan] Savage are meh to me.


Thanks Cleric,

What does "meh" mean?

Thanks
Posted By: Cleric

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 11:51 PM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: Cleric
[quote=Texas Dan] Savage are meh to me.


Thanks Cleric,

What does "meh" mean?

Thanks


They have been know to have issues extracting shells on some models. Their offerings just do not look compelling to me.

The ruger offering is getting some really good attention lately.

Generally at this price point the companies are similiar. You may look for a used gun to give you some more money for a scope
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 11:52 PM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Tikka 7mm-08.

Ammo from:

dallasreloads.com/product-category/rifle-ammo/7mm-08/

If the day comes you want to go on a hunt where distances may increase, you're already set.


Thank you FiremanJG for your suggestion:

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/tikka-t3x-lite-bolt-7mm-08-remington-bolt-action-rifle Are you referring to this rifle?

How far can a 30-06, 308, or 270 shoot?

Thanks
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/06/18 11:55 PM

Originally Posted By: exoticbob
Savage nikon pkg in either 6.5 cm or 270.


Thank you exoticbob,

Are you referring to these two rifles below?

https://www.tombstonetactical.com/catalo...3-9x40mm-scope/

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod...TH+XP+270+NIKON

Does the scope help with distance of shooting?
Posted By: bo3

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 12:04 AM

I would suggest going and handling as many as you can. Find one that feels right. Each manufacturer holds their stock slightly different. The fit will help with recoil. A gun that fits you well will have less felt recoil. Then pick out the cartridge. I would look at anything 243 and up.
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 12:24 AM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Tikka 7mm-08.

Ammo from:

dallasreloads.com/product-category/rifle-ammo/7mm-08/

If the day comes you want to go on a hunt where distances may increase, you're already set.


Thank you FiremanJG for your suggestion:

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/tikka-t3x-lite-bolt-7mm-08-remington-bolt-action-rifle Are you referring to this rifle?

How far can a 30-06, 308, or 270 shoot?

Thanks


That's the one. And you can find it for less money than that.

.270 is outta gas at <1000 yards.
.308 is outta gas at 1300 yards.
7mm-08, the farthest I've hit with it is 1400 yards.
.30-06, I don't know but it's in the teens like the 7mm-08.
Posted By: scottfromdallas

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 12:39 AM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG

.308 is outta gas at 1300 yards.
7mm-08, the farthest I've hit with it is 1400 yards.
.30-06, I don't know but it's in the teens like the 7mm-08.


Fireman giving 308 Win some love. rifle
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 12:41 AM

Originally Posted By: scottfromdallas
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG

.308 is outta gas at 1300 yards.
7mm-08, the farthest I've hit with it is 1400 yards.
.30-06, I don't know but it's in the teens like the 7mm-08.


Fireman giving 308 Win some love. rifle


I ain't here to tell false data on what can do what. Do you need a counseling session? I am happy to give one.
Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 12:44 AM

200 yards??

A marlin 30-30 will get it done all day.

If you gotta have a bolt, I’d go with a Ruger American in .308.
Posted By: ChadTRG42

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 12:45 AM

Originally Posted By: bo323
I would suggest going and handling as many as you can. Find one that feels right. Each manufacturer holds their stock slightly different. The fit will help with recoil. A gun that fits you well will have less felt recoil. Then pick out the cartridge. I would look at anything 243 and up.


This. Everyone can tell you what they would recommend. But it may not be what YOU want. Go to a gun counter, and handle as many as you can.

For basic hunting, it's hard to beat a 308 Win. If you wanted something different, a 7-08 would do fine. Even a 6.5 Creedmoor or 260 Rem will work well for hunting. There are many choices.
Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 12:50 AM

Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
200 yards??

A marlin 30-30 will get it done all day.

If you gotta have a bolt, I’d go with a Ruger American in .308.


That's perfect for a hunting rifle. And you'll have plenty of money left over for a scope, rings, and ammo.
Posted By: Texas Dan

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 01:37 AM

Originally Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn
Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
200 yards??

A marlin 30-30 will get it done all day.

If you gotta have a bolt, I’d go with a Ruger American in .308.


That's perfect for a hunting rifle. And you'll have plenty of money left over for a scope, rings, and ammo.


X2
Posted By: scottfromdallas

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 01:42 AM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: scottfromdallas
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG

.308 is outta gas at 1300 yards.
7mm-08, the farthest I've hit with it is 1400 yards.
.30-06, I don't know but it's in the teens like the 7mm-08.


Fireman giving 308 Win some love. rifle


I ain't here to tell false data on what can do what. Do you need a counseling session? I am happy to give one.


peep
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 01:43 AM

Originally Posted By: bo323
I would suggest going and handling as many as you can. Find one that feels right. Each manufacturer holds their stock slightly different. The fit will help with recoil. A gun that fits you well will have less felt recoil. Then pick out the cartridge. I would look at anything 243 and up.


Thank you bo323,

Very good advice. I will do this and call around to different gun ranges.

Questions. What are all the rifles to try? 243,270,308,30-.06, ..... am I missing any others for a newbie like myself that fits my criteria?

Thanks
Posted By: Texas Dan

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 01:48 AM

My first deer rifle would be in a caliber where a box of shells is most likely to be available at some out of the way store when you're a long way from home and you realize that's where you left your ammo.

IMO, nothing beats the 30-30 in that regard.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 01:51 AM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG

That's the one. And you can find it for less money than that.

.270 is outta gas at <1000 yards.
.308 is outta gas at 1300 yards.
7mm-08, the farthest I've hit with it is 1400 yards.
.30-06, I don't know but it's in the teens like the 7mm-08.


Thank you FiremanJG,

Wow they shoot very far. lol, I doubt I can shoot that far. I can barely hit the circle at 25 yards with my AR. But I plan to get training soon once I get a rifle.

Why does this rifle cost so much money?

Thanks
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 01:55 AM

Originally Posted By: ChadTRG42


This. Everyone can tell you what they would recommend. But it may not be what YOU want. Go to a gun counter, and handle as many as you can.

For basic hunting, it's hard to beat a 308 Win.


Thanks ChadTRG42,

What does "Win" mean please?

Thanks
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 01:57 AM

Originally Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn


That's perfect for a hunting rifle. And you'll have plenty of money left over for a scope, rings, and ammo.


Thank you ImTheReasonDovesMourn,

What do you mean "rings"?

Thanks
Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 02:45 AM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn


That's perfect for a hunting rifle. And you'll have plenty of money left over for a scope, rings, and ammo.


Thank you ImTheReasonDovesMourn,

What do you mean "rings"?

Thanks


Scope rings to mount your scope to the rifle. You don't want to go cheap on those. A quality set of scope rings is just as important as the rifle and scope.
Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 03:12 AM

You need to spend some time with someone that knows their way around a rifle, ammunition, optics, and actual Texas hunting.
Posted By: llbts1

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 03:41 AM

Howa 1500 in 308 Win. Tack driver with enough left over for a decent scope.
Those were my results.
Posted By: Dalee7892

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 03:50 AM

Go to some shooting ranges and talk to the guys behind the counter. Don't trust academy, bass pro they're just salesman.
Look for fellow THF guys in your area take them to lunch, talk about things.
Posted By: patriot07

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 04:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Hello Everyone,

What type of bolt action rifle and scope you recommend I buy? This my first bolt action rifle I will be buying besides the AR 15 I have. I am not sure what caliber to get, 207,30-06, 308, etc.

My budget is $600 to $700 with scope preferably mounted

Questions:

1. Which rifle has less re-coil?
2. What are the rifle shooting distance?

I plan to hunt hog and deer in Texas up to 200 feet I believe.

Thank you
At $600-$700, Ruger American or Savage Axis.

I would get a 308. Mild recoiling 30-cal cartridge with good energy at any distance you might be shooting.

There are a number of good scope options - Nikon Prostaff, Leupold VX-1, etc.

As has been said, buy a decent set of scope rings.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 04:27 AM

Originally Posted By: patriot07


As has been said, buy a decent set of scope rings.


Thank you patriot07,

It is ok to buy the scope already mounted to the rife?

Thanks
Posted By: hetman

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 11:28 AM

308 win is short for 308 Winchester

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.308_Winchester


I also would suggest a Tika : I have 3 in different calibers & all shoot and handle well.

one thing people have not mentioned is a good scope will be as much or more than a rifle


Another plus for 308winchester will allow you to shoot 7.62 x 51 nato mil spec rounds
Posted By: snake oil

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 12:15 PM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Tikka 7mm-08.

Ammo from:

dallasreloads.com/product-category/rifle-ammo/7mm-08/

If the day comes you want to go on a hunt where distances may increase, you're already set.


This right here all you need.........
Posted By: patriot07

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 12:49 PM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: patriot07


As has been said, buy a decent set of scope rings.


Thank you patriot07,

It is ok to buy the scope already mounted to the rife?

Thanks
For hunting at 200 yards, it might be ok. I would lean towards saying no unless you get one of the Savage packages that comes with a Nikon scope, which I assume is a prostaff knock-off. The Bushnell models that sometimes come with the Savage Axis are pretty cheap and I wouldn't recommend them. I had one on my Savage 11VT a few years ago and it got replaced pretty quick.

I mean if you're ok with spending your entire $700 budget, I'd think hard about a Tikka T3x Lite 308, Nikon Prostaff or Leupold VX-1, and a decent set of rings. I think you'd be right around $700 for that. Maybe a hair over.

If you want to save money, and you're only using the gun for short-ish range hunting, then the Savage Axis or Ruger American really don't give up much and will save you a few bucks.
Posted By: Nogalus Prairie

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 01:26 PM

I would stay away from those rifle and scope “package” combos. The scopes on those are very low quality. There are lots of good hunting scopes for $200-250. Leupold VX1 or VX2 comes to mind.

My caliber choice options for a new hunter would include 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, 7mm-08, .270 Win, and .30-06 - mainly because of the wide variety and availability of ammo.

A Tikka with a good scope is going to be a little over your $700 budget. IMO it’s worth it.
A Ruger American or similar rifle with a good scope will be right at it.

Have fun looking!
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 10:10 PM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: Dalee7892
Why not the 3006? Have a full range of selection from light recoil to 200 grn..


I wouldn't put a new hunter amd shooter behind a long action. If they get recoil shy, they might hang it all up forever and/ or develop the flinch that equates to misses or worse, wounded animals.

Yes the .30-06 has lots of bullet options, but so does an extremely long list of other cartridges.


Thank you.

What does long action means? I don't want alot of recoil and not good accuracy.
Posted By: DH3

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 10:29 PM

Meh means that that person does not think much of the suggested rifle (Savage).
Consider this, a Savage "Axis" rifle equipped with a Weaver 3X9 scope already mounted and bore sighted sells for under $300 at Carters Country. The stock features a soft recoil pad and a 6.5 Creedmoor is "State of the art" in long range precision.
IMO. the best deal out there for a person hunting whitetails or hogs.
A long action describes the size of the basic component of a rifle (The action). A long action will accept a longer overall length of cartridge (30-06). A "short action" is designed for smaller cartridge overall length (.22-250).

As far as Meh's suggestion....MEH!!
Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 10:35 PM

"Meh" is also what you say when you get advice from a DH.
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 10:36 PM

Short action, is just that, it is a shorter bolt and action than a long action. Short action cartridges are .308 Win, 7mm-08, .260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, .243 Win, ect.

Long actions cartridges will be of the same caliber (bullet diameter) but be a longer piece of brass, holding more powder, making more velocity, and creating more recoil. Some examples, with the same bolt face as the cartridges mentioned above at .30-06 (big brother to the .308) 284 Winchester, 280 Remington (big brothers to the 7mm-08) 6.5-06, 6.5-284 (big brothers to the .260 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor)

Cartridge names can get confusing very easily. Some go by the metric designation, others go by the exact decimal inch designation, others go by an approximate decimal inch designation. There is no standard to call things what they are. Manufacturers call it what they feel like. Historically metric cartridges did not do well in the U.S. but that is going away. Here are the calibers or bore sizes, if you were to order a barrel:

.17"
.204"
.224" (called twenty two, or two two three)
6mm (two fourty three)
6.5mm (two sixty, two six four)
.277" (two seventy, six point eight)
7mm (two eighty, two eighty four)
.308" (thirty caliber, three hundred, three oh eight)
.325"
.338"
.375"

And others.

Just in the list of 11 bore diameters there are hundreds of cartridges. Take the .308" bore, for instance. .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .30 Nosler, .300 Weatherby, .300 Remington Ultra Mag, .30 Norma Mag, as some examples. All those names are different chamberings, so different case lengths, case geometry, and powder capacities, but they all started out as a thirty caliber barrel, before they were centered in a lathe and a chamber cut into them.

It can take a long time, and lots of reading to wrap your head around the whole thing.
Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 10:42 PM

FiremanJG knows what he's talking about, and he could go into more detail or elaborate further, but it's hard to do through a forum comment. I'll be happy to talk to you and share the knowledge that JG, Chad, and many others have taught me over the last few years. I'm Jeremy. My cell is 903-513-0980.
Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/07/18 11:00 PM

Originally Posted By: DH3
Meh means that that person does not think much of the suggested rifle (Savage).
Consider this, a Savage "Axis" rifle equipped with a Weaver 3X9 scope already mounted and bore sighted sells for under $300 at Carters Country. The stock features a soft recoil pad and a 6.5 Creedmoor is "State of the art" in long range precision.
IMO. the best deal out there for a person hunting whitetails or hogs.
A long action describes the size of the basic component of a rifle (The action). A long action will accept a longer overall length of cartridge (30-06). A "short action" is designed for smaller cartridge overall length (.22-250).

As far as Meh's suggestion....MEH!!


What's a 3x9 scope, DH? You're trolling way over your head here. I'm gonna sit back and watch you get embarrassed if you want to keep spouting nonsense, though. Hint... popcorn
Posted By: patriot07

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 01:19 AM

Originally Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn
Hint...
roflmao
Posted By: SnakeWrangler

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 01:31 AM

Originally Posted By: patriot07
Originally Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn
Hint...
roflmao
whip





rofl
Posted By: hetman

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 01:31 AM

yep be wondering who was trolling who
Posted By: RiverRider

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 01:37 AM

The real question is, who's been lickin the window?
Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 01:44 AM

Originally Posted By: hetman
yep be wondering who was trolling who


THF is an equal opportunity forum.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 02:31 AM

Thanks everyone for responding.

I have some question please:


When I buy a rifle I plan to instantly sign up for 3 hours of rifle training so I know how to shoot safely and accuracy. After the gun shop bore and sight it.

1. I plan to do alot of practicing for months with the rifle. Which one is the noisy? I don't wanna ruin my ears, although I will have ear plugs and ear muffs.

2. Which one has less recoil?

3. Why is the Savage all in one scope and rifle so cheap?

4. I rather spend $700 to get a good rifle one time, then get something cheap and have to replace in a few years or less. What is your recommendation.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 02:36 AM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Short action, is just that, it is a shorter bolt and action than a long action. Short action cartridges are .308 Win, 7mm-08, .260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, .243 Win, ect.

Long actions cartridges will be of the same caliber (bullet diameter) but be a longer piece of brass, holding more powder, making more velocity, and creating more recoil. Some examples, with the same bolt face as the cartridges mentioned above at .30-06 (big brother to the .308) 284 Winchester, 280 Remington (big brothers to the 7mm-08) 6.5-06, 6.5-284 (big brothers to the .260 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor)

Cartridge names can get confusing very easily. Some go by the metric designation, others go by the exact decimal inch designation, others go by an approximate decimal inch designation. There is no standard to call things what they are. Manufacturers call it what they feel like. Historically metric cartridges did not do well in the U.S. but that is going away. Here are the calibers or bore sizes, if you were to order a barrel:

.17"
.204"
.224" (called twenty two, or two two three)
6mm (two fourty three)
6.5mm (two sixty, two six four)
.277" (two seventy, six point eight)
7mm (two eighty, two eighty four)
.308" (thirty caliber, three hundred, three oh eight)
.325"
.338"
.375"

And others.

Just in the list of 11 bore diameters there are hundreds of cartridges. Take the .308" bore, for instance. .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .30 Nosler, .300 Weatherby, .300 Remington Ultra Mag, .30 Norma Mag, as some examples. All those names are different chamberings, so different case lengths, case geometry, and powder capacities, but they all started out as a thirty caliber barrel, before they were centered in a lathe and a chamber cut into them.

It can take a long time, and lots of reading to wrap your head around the whole thing.



Thanks,

What is the difference between Cartridge and Caliber please? What is a cartridge.

Can you illustrate with a picture with one rifle, the caliber, and cartridges? I am getting confused.

Thanks
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 02:38 AM

Caliber is bore diameter. See the list on barrel calibers.

Cartridge is brass, primer, powder, bullet. A complete loaded round of ammo.
Posted By: Cleric

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 02:40 AM

Caliber is the bullet diameter, cartridge is the dimensions of the round


For example 308, 30-06, and 300wm all fire a 30 caliber bullet. But each one has more powder than the previous one...

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/308-win-vs-30-06/

Here is a write up on just 308 and 30-06
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 02:55 AM

Thanks all,

Is there a problem with buying a rifle with scope already mounted like this one https://ruger.com/products/americanRifleVortex/specSheets/16934.html ?

Or should I buy rifle and scope separately?

Thanks
Posted By: Dalee7892

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 04:09 AM

Nothing wrong with this choice at all. Good luck. Practice, practice, practice. Start slow work to become better.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 04:15 AM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Short action, is just that, it is a shorter bolt and action than a long action. Short action cartridges are .308 Win, 7mm-08, .260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, .243 Win, ect.

Long actions cartridges will be of the same caliber (bullet diameter) but be a longer piece of brass, holding more powder, making more velocity, and creating more recoil. Some examples, with the same bolt face as the cartridges mentioned above at .30-06 (big brother to the .308) 284 Winchester, 280 Remington (big brothers to the 7mm-08) 6.5-06, 6.5-284 (big brothers to the .260 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor)

Cartridge names can get confusing very easily. Some go by the metric designation, others go by the exact decimal inch designation, others go by an approximate decimal inch designation. There is no standard to call things what they are. Manufacturers call it what they feel like. Historically metric cartridges did not do well in the U.S. but that is going away. Here are the calibers or bore sizes, if you were to order a barrel:

.17"
.204"
.224" (called twenty two, or two two three)
6mm (two fourty three)
6.5mm (two sixty, two six four)
.277" (two seventy, six point eight)
7mm (two eighty, two eighty four)
.308" (thirty caliber, three hundred, three oh eight)
.325"
.338"
.375"

And others.

Just in the list of 11 bore diameters there are hundreds of cartridges. Take the .308" bore, for instance. .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .30 Nosler, .300 Weatherby, .300 Remington Ultra Mag, .30 Norma Mag, as some examples. All those names are different chamberings, so different case lengths, case geometry, and powder capacities, but they all started out as a thirty caliber barrel, before they were centered in a lathe and a chamber cut into them.

It can take a long time, and lots of reading to wrap your head around the whole thing.



Thank you FiremanJG and nicely explained.

So a bigger bullet (30-06) have greater recoil then a smaller bullet (308)?
Posted By: Bee'z

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 04:28 AM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Short action, is just that, it is a shorter bolt and action than a long action. Short action cartridges are .308 Win, 7mm-08, .260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, .243 Win, ect.

Long actions cartridges will be of the same caliber (bullet diameter) but be a longer piece of brass, holding more powder, making more velocity, and creating more recoil. Some examples, with the same bolt face as the cartridges mentioned above at .30-06 (big brother to the .308) 284 Winchester, 280 Remington (big brothers to the 7mm-08) 6.5-06, 6.5-284 (big brothers to the .260 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor)

Cartridge names can get confusing very easily. Some go by the metric designation, others go by the exact decimal inch designation, others go by an approximate decimal inch designation. There is no standard to call things what they are. Manufacturers call it what they feel like. Historically metric cartridges did not do well in the U.S. but that is going away. Here are the calibers or bore sizes, if you were to order a barrel:

.17"
.204"
.224" (called twenty two, or two two three)
6mm (two fourty three)
6.5mm (two sixty, two six four)
.277" (two seventy, six point eight)
7mm (two eighty, two eighty four)
.308" (thirty caliber, three hundred, three oh eight)
.325"
.338"
.375"

And others.

Just in the list of 11 bore diameters there are hundreds of cartridges. Take the .308" bore, for instance. .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .30 Nosler, .300 Weatherby, .300 Remington Ultra Mag, .30 Norma Mag, as some examples. All those names are different chamberings, so different case lengths, case geometry, and powder capacities, but they all started out as a thirty caliber barrel, before they were centered in a lathe and a chamber cut into them.

It can take a long time, and lots of reading to wrap your head around the whole thing.



Thank you FiremanJG and nicely explained.

So a bigger bullet (30-06) have greater recoil then a smaller bullet (308)?


Same bullet diameter but a larger case holds more powder and results in more felt recoil. That is what they are talking about with long action vs Short action.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 04:34 AM

Originally Posted By: 2Beez
Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Short action, is just that, it is a shorter bolt and action than a long action. Short action cartridges are .308 Win, 7mm-08, .260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, .243 Win, ect.

Long actions cartridges will be of the same caliber (bullet diameter) but be a longer piece of brass, holding more powder, making more velocity, and creating more recoil. Some examples, with the same bolt face as the cartridges mentioned above at .30-06 (big brother to the .308) 284 Winchester, 280 Remington (big brothers to the 7mm-08) 6.5-06, 6.5-284 (big brothers to the .260 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor)

Cartridge names can get confusing very easily. Some go by the metric designation, others go by the exact decimal inch designation, others go by an approximate decimal inch designation. There is no standard to call things what they are. Manufacturers call it what they feel like. Historically metric cartridges did not do well in the U.S. but that is going away. Here are the calibers or bore sizes, if you were to order a barrel:

.17"
.204"
.224" (called twenty two, or two two three)
6mm (two fourty three)
6.5mm (two sixty, two six four)
.277" (two seventy, six point eight)
7mm (two eighty, two eighty four)
.308" (thirty caliber, three hundred, three oh eight)
.325"
.338"
.375"

And others.

Just in the list of 11 bore diameters there are hundreds of cartridges. Take the .308" bore, for instance. .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .30 Nosler, .300 Weatherby, .300 Remington Ultra Mag, .30 Norma Mag, as some examples. All those names are different chamberings, so different case lengths, case geometry, and powder capacities, but they all started out as a thirty caliber barrel, before they were centered in a lathe and a chamber cut into them.

It can take a long time, and lots of reading to wrap your head around the whole thing.



Thank you FiremanJG and nicely explained.

So a bigger bullet (30-06) have greater recoil then a smaller bullet (308)?


Same bullet diameter but a larger case holds more powder and results in more felt recoil. That is what they are talking about with long action vs Short action.


Thank you for the clarification.

Is the 308 or 30-60 a rifle I can practice with about 100 rounds in a day without causing hearing issues or rifle issues?
Posted By: Dalee7892

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 04:42 AM

Always wear hearing protection. 100 round are a Lot, you will get sore and then start flinching, pour trigger control. Why 100 rounds per day?
Posted By: Bee'z

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 04:43 AM

O hell no. Not with the kind of rifle you are asking for. You will shoot 3 rounds and let the barrel rest for 30 minutes too cool down. Thin steel gets hot fast. Let me go get some cartridges and show you the difference real quick.
Posted By: Bee'z

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 04:52 AM



Casing on the left is a 30-06 long action caliber. Casing on the right is a .308win short action. I can shoot 100rds out of my .308 in a day but it is 15 pounds of rifle. In a hunting rifle that would not be fun at all. Beer can for size reference
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 11:21 AM

Originally Posted By: 2Beez


Casing on the left is a 30-06 long action caliber. Casing on the right is a .308win short action. I can shoot 100rds out of my .308 in a day but it is 15 pounds of rifle. In a hunting rifle that would not be fun at all. Beer can for size reference


Thank for the pictures

Why would that not be fun at all?

I plan to do alot of shooting for practice with the rifle I get one day.
Posted By: patriot07

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 12:46 PM

If you're going to be shooting the gun that much, you really should consider a heavier rifle that's easier on you at the range. All of the rifles you're considering are lightweight hunting guns. It's great that they're easy to carry, but recoil at the range is going to be much worse because the guns are light, which is ultimately what people are talking about when they say they "won't be much fun at all" when you're asking about shooting 100 rounds at the range. Getting a heavier gun in a medium recoil cartridge would ultimately make your range experience much, much better.

If you really are going to be shooting that much at the range, I'd seriously consider a heavier gun with a thicker barrel. With a thin barrel rifle like all of the ones that come in the lightweight hunting guns, you can only shoot 3-4 shots before the barrel heats up and accuracy really goes downhill. The thicker barrel will mean you can take 7-10 shots before having to wait 15-20 minutes for it to cool back down so you can start shooting accurately again.

Also, if you're not reloading, the 6.5 creedmoor is really the best combination of hunting capability, inherent accuracy, and quality factory ammo availability. I would stick with the 6.5 creedmoor and find a gun with a medium profile barrel.

If your budget is set at $600-$700 total and you want a slightly heavier profile barrel, you're going to be using a Savage. If you can go up a bit, there are other options.

The real issue is that you want to buy a gun to fit a purpose. Buying a gun to spend 10 minutes at the range to get sighted in and then hunt with is very different than buying a gun you're going to be shooting at the range all the time and hunting with occasionally.
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 01:29 PM

^^Solid advice.

I will add, a bolt action .22 lr is an invaluable tool for rifle shooting practice. Good ones are accurate, it teaches muscle memory of cycling the bolt, and nothing, with gun powder is cheaper to shoot. Plus, I just don't know if a .22lr barrel can be worn out.
Posted By: Dalee7892

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 03:55 PM

Goodo Texas boy, how old are you, please? Have you ever hunted before? All these questions are concerning to me. Have you ever shot high powered rifles? I feel that you need to have someone take you to the gun range and instruct you with different caliber rifles and ammunition and accessories (scopes, magazines, semi-auto, bolts, etc.)
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 04:48 PM

Originally Posted By: patriot07
If you're going to be shooting the gun that much, you really should consider a heavier rifle that's easier on you at the range. All of the rifles you're considering are lightweight hunting guns. It's great that they're easy to carry, but recoil at the range is going to be much worse because the guns are light, which is ultimately what people are talking about when they say they "won't be much fun at all" when you're asking about shooting 100 rounds at the range. Getting a heavier gun in a medium recoil cartridge would ultimately make your range experience much, much better.

If you really are going to be shooting that much at the range, I'd seriously consider a heavier gun with a thicker barrel. With a thin barrel rifle like all of the ones that come in the lightweight hunting guns, you can only shoot 3-4 shots before the barrel heats up and accuracy really goes downhill. The thicker barrel will mean you can take 7-10 shots before having to wait 15-20 minutes for it to cool back down so you can start shooting accurately again.

Also, if you're not reloading, the 6.5 creedmoor is really the best combination of hunting capability, inherent accuracy, and quality factory ammo availability. I would stick with the 6.5 creedmoor and find a gun with a medium profile barrel.

If your budget is set at $600-$700 total and you want a slightly heavier profile barrel, you're going to be using a Savage. If you can go up a bit, there are other options.

The real issue is that you want to buy a gun to fit a purpose. Buying a gun to spend 10 minutes at the range to get sighted in and then hunt with is very different than buying a gun you're going to be shooting at the range all the time and hunting with occasionally.


Thank you for the deep concern

Here are my concerns

1. I have never shot rifLe before. On ar15 223. I like the recoil and noise level on it. But I will not use for hunting.

2. I am not an accurate shooter and basically such at fundamental of shooting. I will hire a local instructor to teach me once I buy rifle so I don't get the bad habits.

3. Sometimes I hear loud rifles at gun range. Which rifles will be loud?

The reason I ask about 100 rounds cause I need to practice right to get better. Correct?
Posted By: Rock Rancher

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 05:02 PM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG

I will add, a bolt action .22 lr is an invaluable tool for rifle shooting practice. Good ones are accurate, it teaches muscle memory of cycling the bolt, and nothing, with gun powder is cheaper to shoot. Plus, I just don't know if a .22lr barrel can be worn out.


Best advice I've read in this thread, IMHO. Get yourself a decent .22 and put a thousand rounds through it, then decide about your "bigger" hunting rifle. CZ makes a pretty good 22 from what I've read.
Posted By: patriot07

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 05:17 PM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: patriot07
If you're going to be shooting the gun that much, you really should consider a heavier rifle that's easier on you at the range. All of the rifles you're considering are lightweight hunting guns. It's great that they're easy to carry, but recoil at the range is going to be much worse because the guns are light, which is ultimately what people are talking about when they say they "won't be much fun at all" when you're asking about shooting 100 rounds at the range. Getting a heavier gun in a medium recoil cartridge would ultimately make your range experience much, much better.

If you really are going to be shooting that much at the range, I'd seriously consider a heavier gun with a thicker barrel. With a thin barrel rifle like all of the ones that come in the lightweight hunting guns, you can only shoot 3-4 shots before the barrel heats up and accuracy really goes downhill. The thicker barrel will mean you can take 7-10 shots before having to wait 15-20 minutes for it to cool back down so you can start shooting accurately again.

Also, if you're not reloading, the 6.5 creedmoor is really the best combination of hunting capability, inherent accuracy, and quality factory ammo availability. I would stick with the 6.5 creedmoor and find a gun with a medium profile barrel.

If your budget is set at $600-$700 total and you want a slightly heavier profile barrel, you're going to be using a Savage. If you can go up a bit, there are other options.

The real issue is that you want to buy a gun to fit a purpose. Buying a gun to spend 10 minutes at the range to get sighted in and then hunt with is very different than buying a gun you're going to be shooting at the range all the time and hunting with occasionally.


Thank you for the deep concern

Here are my concerns

1. I have never shot rifLe before. On ar15 223. I like the recoil and noise level on it. But I will not use for hunting.

2. I am not an accurate shooter and basically such at fundamental of shooting. I will hire a local instructor to teach me once I buy rifle so I don't get the bad habits.

3. Sometimes I hear loud rifles at gun range. Which rifles will be loud?

The reason I ask about 100 rounds cause I need to practice right to get better. Correct?
Rifle noise is proportional to the power of the cartridge and the presence of a muzzle brake or suppressor. A brake will drastically increase the noise. A suppressor will reduce it. Your AR likely has a brake, which will make it louder than a standard bolt action rifle without a brake.

A 22 or 223 bolt gun for practice would be a wise investment. It would at least teach you the fundamentals without breaking the bank.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 05:54 PM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
^^Solid advice.

I will add, a bolt action .22 lr is an invaluable tool for rifle shooting practice. Good ones are accurate, it teaches muscle memory of cycling the bolt, and nothing, with gun powder is cheaper to shoot. Plus, I just don't know if a .22lr barrel can be worn out.


Thank you so much for this advice.

Why do you say Get a .22lr? Can this be used for hunting or is this just inexpensive way to learn?

For instance, let's say I go buy 308 and scope today, I go get training. Well on the weekend I'm off to the range early to practice. How many bullets can I practive with for that day? I have no problem putting a 100 rounds for good practice in a day. Is there a problem with this?

When would you recomend me to move up to higher caliber like a 308 if I start with .22lr?

Thank you all for helping me
Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 06:07 PM

Go buy a rifle and shoot the crap out of it.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 06:10 PM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
^^Solid advice.

I will add, a bolt action .22 lr is an invaluable tool for rifle shooting practice. Good ones are accurate, it teaches muscle memory of cycling the bolt, and nothing, with gun powder is cheaper to shoot. Plus, I just don't know if a .22lr barrel can be worn out.


Thanks,

Why do some recommend I buy a 22 rifle and shoot? Can I hunt hog and deer with a 22?

Should I be practicing with the rifle (eg, 308 or 270) I plan to hunt with?

I am not sure I understand why to buy 22?

Thank you all for help. I know my questions are basic but I'm just learning for the hobby
Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 06:14 PM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
^^Solid advice.

I will add, a bolt action .22 lr is an invaluable tool for rifle shooting practice. Good ones are accurate, it teaches muscle memory of cycling the bolt, and nothing, with gun powder is cheaper to shoot. Plus, I just don't know if a .22lr barrel can be worn out.


Thanks,

Why do some recommend I buy a 22 rifle and shoot? Can I hunt hog and deer with a 22?

Should I be practicing with the rifle (eg, 308 or 270) I plan to hunt with?

I am not sure I understand why to buy 22?

Thank you all for help. I know my questions are basic but I'm just learning for the hobby


Technique and training.

You can hunt hogs.

Ammo is basically free.
Posted By: booradley

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 06:27 PM

The OP sure sounds like a troll to me. He states he has an AR-15 then proceeds to ask questions as if he’s never picked up a firearm before. If I’m wrong sorry but the questions being asked make me suspicious.
Posted By: Greg Z

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 06:58 PM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Tikka 7mm-08.

Ammo from:

dallasreloads.com/product-category/rifle-ammo/7mm-08/

If the day comes you want to go on a hunt where distances may increase, you're already set.



Ditto on the Tikka 07/08
Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 07:29 PM

Originally Posted By: booradley
The OP sure sounds like a troll to me. He states he has an AR-15 then proceeds to ask questions as if he’s never picked up a firearm before. If I’m wrong sorry but the questions being asked make me suspicious.


I think he’s honestly a noob that doesn’t know which end of the rifle the bullet comes out of... or which shoe goes on which foot.
Posted By: Pitchfork Predator

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 07:51 PM

He’s new and just starting out with no experience at all.
Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 07:54 PM

Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
Originally Posted By: booradley
The OP sure sounds like a troll to me. He states he has an AR-15 then proceeds to ask questions as if he’s never picked up a firearm before. If I’m wrong sorry but the questions being asked make me suspicious.


I think he’s honestly a noob that doesn’t know which end of the rifle the bullet comes out of... or which shoe goes on which foot.


Or which armpit a girl's pu....nevermind.
Posted By: Bee'z

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 08:08 PM

Originally Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn
Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
Originally Posted By: booradley
The OP sure sounds like a troll to me. He states he has an AR-15 then proceeds to ask questions as if he’s never picked up a firearm before. If I’m wrong sorry but the questions being asked make me suspicious.


I think he’s honestly a noob that doesn’t know which end of the rifle the bullet comes out of... or which shoe goes on which foot.


Or which armpit a girl's pu....nevermind.


roflmao
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 08:09 PM

Originally Posted By: booradley
The OP sure sounds like a troll to me. He states he has an AR-15 then proceeds to ask questions as if he’s never picked up a firearm before. If I’m wrong sorry but the questions being asked make me suspicious.


booradely,

I am not trolling man. I just don't know the answers like you guys. I'm African American and I didn't grow up hunting nor around rifles. I do own an ar15 223 but it's been recommended by others to not hunt with that.

So now I'm just researching to see what rifle I want to get. Then I move towards practicing. Then equipment, then hunting , and hopefully eating soon.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 08:22 PM

Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
^^Solid advice.

I will add, a bolt action .22 lr is an invaluable tool for rifle shooting practice. Good ones are accurate, it teaches muscle memory of cycling the bolt, and nothing, with gun powder is cheaper to shoot. Plus, I just don't know if a .22lr barrel can be worn out.


Thanks,

Why do some recommend I buy a 22 rifle and shoot? Can I hunt hog and deer with a 22?

Should I be practicing with the rifle (eg, 308 or 270) I plan to hunt with?

I am not sure I understand why to buy 22?

Thank you all for help. I know my questions are basic but I'm just learning for the hobby


Technique and training.

You can hunt hogs.

Ammo is basically free.



Thank you.

Ok so why cant I gain technique and training with a higher caliber rifle like 308? Is it because the rifle will damage, too noisy, not recommended to shoot mulitple rounds in a certain time span, ammo cost too much?

I am just trying to understand before I buy a rifle.

Is 22 required for newbies?

Can I hunt deer in Texas with 22?
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 08:25 PM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
^^Solid advice.

I will add, a bolt action .22 lr is an invaluable tool for rifle shooting practice. Good ones are accurate, it teaches muscle memory of cycling the bolt, and nothing, with gun powder is cheaper to shoot. Plus, I just don't know if a .22lr barrel can be worn out.


Thanks,

Why do some recommend I buy a 22 rifle and shoot? Can I hunt hog and deer with a 22?

Should I be practicing with the rifle (eg, 308 or 270) I plan to hunt with?

I am not sure I understand why to buy 22?

Thank you all for help. I know my questions are basic but I'm just learning for the hobby


Buy a .22lr and the scope you plan to put on your new bolt action centerfire, first. Learn to shoot on the .22lr, and practice with it. Once you've shot a thousand rounds through the .22 lr from 10 yards to 100 yards, then move up to the AR-15, and practice with it. It is also fairly inexpensive to shoot. After several hundred rounds through the AR-15, I would get the bolt action you plan to hunt with, and move the scope on the .22 lr over to it. Then learn to shoot the new bolt action.

I don't know your money situation, and it is none of my business. But this is the best path you can take, in my opinion. It is May, you have 6 months until rifle deer season.
Posted By: Dalee7892

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 08:26 PM

GTB, you are asking a Lot of questions. You have posted on numerous sites. Most of the questions you are asking needs to be set up in person with a person that has the experience and training in person one on one. Look at, feel, handle, observe, etc. Of different rifles, shoot different ones, look through different scopes, feel different recoi, different actions the whole game of things.
We all started ignorant but had dads, family members, friends with hands on experience to teach.
This is what I am trying to say. You can't learn from books, forums and such.
It's hands on in the field (shooting range) person to person.
Posted By: Pitchfork Predator

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 08:39 PM

Originally Posted By: Dalee7892
GTB, you are asking a Lot of questions. You have posted on numerous sites. Most of the questions you are asking needs to be set up in person with a person that has the experience and training in person one on one. Look at, feel, handle, observe, etc. Of different rifles, shoot different ones, look through different scopes, feel different recoi, different actions the whole game of things.
We all started ignorant but had dads, family members, friends with hands on experience to teach.
This is what I am trying to say. You can't learn from books, forums and such.
It's hands on in the field (shooting range) person to person.


bs


I learned more on my own, didn’t have a Dad or relatives that hunted. I told him to come to this thread and ask all the questions he wanted.

Keep asking all you can think of G.T.B.
Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 08:56 PM

You could always buy quality hunting ammo for your AR, keep the shots at animals within 100 yards, and kill deer and pigs just fine.
Posted By: booradley

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/08/18 09:55 PM

I’ll accept that.

I’d also do somewhat as FiremanJG has suggested. I’d get a .22 and a good scope. Shoot the .22 then move the scope to your AR and shoot it. I see nothing wrong with using an AR for deer hunting until you decide it’s something you like and will continue to do. Just get a decent scope. Too many new hunters cheap out on the scope.
Posted By: gtrich94

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 12:13 AM

To put what others are saying differently, rifle ammo isn’t cheap. Ammo for a 243, 308, 6.5, 30.06... is going to run you around $20 for a box of 20 at Academy. So if you want to go shoot 100 rounds it will cost you around $100. For $100, I can buy a Remington bucket of bullets in 22 that has 1400 rounds. For the cost of 2 of your 100 round sessions with the larger caliber, you can buy a decent 22 rifle to learn on.

At this point, you need lots of practice. What you practice with doesn’t matter nearly as much as practicing good fundamentals like trigger pull, learning how to see through a scope, learning not to flinch ... You could do all of this with your 223 as well, it just won’t be as cheap as a 22.
Posted By: Nogalus Prairie

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 12:27 AM

Finding a buddy/mentor is the best advice you will get.There is no substitute for a mentor.

You can learn carpentry from a forum or google or YouTube and then trial and error.
But you can learn it much faster, better and more thoroughly from a good carpenter.

Same with shooting and hunting.
Posted By: unclebubba

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 12:42 AM

A .22 is not necessarily a noob rifle. I've been hunting and shooting since age 6 or 7, and I'm 44 now. .22 is one of my favorite rifles... I currently own 6 of them. With low recoil, you can shoot 500 rounds for less than the cost of feeding your family at taco Bell. Because you can shoot all day, and so many rounds it gives you lots of practice at trigger control and form...not to mention squirrel and rabbit hunting is a great way to improve your hunting skills, and they are tasty. Besides that, 22s are just fun. Oh, and they're cheap.
Posted By: scottfromdallas

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 01:02 AM

OP is really Bushler. He is back....hint
Posted By: patriot07

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 01:30 AM

Originally Posted By: scottfromdallas
OP is really Bushler. He is back....hint
Is this actually true?

Goodo Texas Boy - the reason several have suggested a 22 is because ammo is stupid cheap. The rifle will be around $200-$300, plus a $150 scope, plus $1k rounds of ammo at $100, and you've got 1,000 rounds of rifle practice for $500. 1,000 rounds of 6.5 creedmoor or 308 will cost $1200-$1500 for the ammo alone.

I'd also consider maybe just getting a 223 bolt gun instead of a 22 since you have an AR-15. Ammo could be about half the price of a 308 or 6.5 creedmoor. But 22 ammo is truly dirt cheap if you want to start that way.
Posted By: RiverRider

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 01:57 AM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
^^Solid advice.

I will add, a bolt action .22 lr is an invaluable tool for rifle shooting practice. Good ones are accurate, it teaches muscle memory of cycling the bolt, and nothing, with gun powder is cheaper to shoot. Plus, I just don't know if a .22lr barrel can be worn out.


Thanks,

Why do some recommend I buy a 22 rifle and shoot? Can I hunt hog and deer with a 22?

Should I be practicing with the rifle (eg, 308 or 270) I plan to hunt with?

I am not sure I understand why to buy 22?

Thank you all for help. I know my questions are basic but I'm just learning for the hobby


Buy a .22lr and the scope you plan to put on your new bolt action centerfire, first. Learn to shoot on the .22lr, and practice with it. Once you've shot a thousand rounds through the .22 lr from 10 yards to 100 yards, then move up to the AR-15, and practice with it. It is also fairly inexpensive to shoot. After several hundred rounds through the AR-15, I would get the bolt action you plan to hunt with, and move the scope on the .22 lr over to it. Then learn to shoot the new bolt action.

I don't know your money situation, and it is none of my business. But this is the best path you can take, in my opinion. It is May, you have 6 months until rifle deer season.



GTB, I think this is the best advice. Shooting a rimfire rifle is excellent practice and will help you build good habits. Good habits are essential to good shooting, and shooting too much rifle (in other words, too large a cartridge) too soon is bound to cause you to build bad habits and little to NO confidence. Master the .22 LR, then go to the AR15 and shoot it until it seems natural to you. THEN start thinking about a deer rifle. Keep on reading and asking questions, and when the time to buy a deer rifle comes you'll be better prepared to choose something.
Posted By: scottfromdallas

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 02:24 AM

Originally Posted By: patriot07
Originally Posted By: scottfromdallas
OP is really Bushler. He is back....hint
Is this actually true?



I don't think so but he post a lot just like Bushler.
Posted By: Cleric

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 02:33 AM

I think he is excited and wants to jump into hunting.

I would be willing to bet that the majority of hunters learned from someone in their family. It is hard to get into if you were not exposed to it growing up.
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 02:52 AM

Originally Posted By: scottfromdallas
Originally Posted By: patriot07
Originally Posted By: scottfromdallas
OP is really Bushler. He is back....hint
Is this actually true?



I don't think so but he post a lot just like Bushler.


Crossed my mind. But I'm trying to give the benefit of the doubt, and help.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 02:52 AM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG

Buy a .22lr and the scope you plan to put on your new bolt action centerfire, first. Learn to shoot on the .22lr, and practice with it. Once you've shot a thousand rounds through the .22 lr from 10 yards to 100 yards, then move up to the AR-15, and practice with it. It is also fairly inexpensive to shoot. After several hundred rounds through the AR-15, I would get the bolt action you plan to hunt with, and move the scope on the .22 lr over to it. Then learn to shoot the new bolt action.

I don't know your money situation, and it is none of my business. But this is the best path you can take, in my opinion. It is May, you have 6 months until rifle deer season.


Thank you FiremanJG,

Good advice.
Would you recommend putting the scope on the AR-15 that I use on .22LR as well?
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 02:58 AM

You sure could. The AR-15 will need a different mount for the scope. The scope needs to be higher on an AR platform, for proper sight alignment, and there are plenty of one piece mounts on the market, to achieve that. There's a good chance the rings you used for the .22lr will also work on the center-fire bolt action you buy.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 03:03 AM

Originally Posted By: gtrich94
To put what others are saying differently, rifle ammo isn’t cheap. Ammo for a 243, 308, 6.5, 30.06... is going to run you around $20 for a box of 20 at Academy. So if you want to go shoot 100 rounds it will cost you around $100. For $100, I can buy a Remington bucket of bullets in 22 that has 1400 rounds. For the cost of 2 of your 100 round sessions with the larger caliber, you can buy a decent 22 rifle to learn on.

At this point, you need lots of practice. What you practice with doesn’t matter nearly as much as practicing good fundamentals like trigger pull, learning how to see through a scope, learning not to flinch ... You could do all of this with your 223 as well, it just won’t be as cheap as a 22.


Thanks gtrich94 for explanation. I understand now. I google the cost of 22, 223, 243, 308, 6.5, 30.06 and I do see the cost difference.

Yes, this is a good idea.

I have this exact rifle now. https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/mp-15-sport-ii with no scope on it. Since I plan to use this type of scope https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/nikon-p...catalogId=10051 on a bigger caliber rifle I can buy it and add to the AR-15 and go practice instead of buying the .22lr. Then move the scope to bigger caliber.

So I do have some options to consider to learn the fundamentals before upgrading to a bigger rifle.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 03:11 AM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
You sure could. The AR-15 will need a different mount for the scope. The scope needs to be higher on an AR platform, for proper sight alignment, and there are plenty of one piece mounts on the market, to achieve that. There's a good chance the rings you used for the .22lr will also work on the center-fire bolt action you buy.


Thanks FiremanJG,

Yes, getting a .22lr to learn on is a good idea as well. Especially to eventually teach my younger nephews with once I get better at shooting.

So it wouldn't hurt to have .22lr, AR, and bigger rifle. And use the same scope on each one. It will also help me for practicing with sighting in.
Posted By: Scott W

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 03:11 AM

Originally Posted By: RiverRider
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
^^Solid advice.

I will add, a bolt action .22 lr is an invaluable tool for rifle shooting practice. Good ones are accurate, it teaches muscle memory of cycling the bolt, and nothing, with gun powder is cheaper to shoot. Plus, I just don't know if a .22lr barrel can be worn out.


Thanks,

Why do some recommend I buy a 22 rifle and shoot? Can I hunt hog and deer with a 22?

Should I be practicing with the rifle (eg, 308 or 270) I plan to hunt with?

I am not sure I understand why to buy 22?

Thank you all for help. I know my questions are basic but I'm just learning for the hobby


Buy a .22lr and the scope you plan to put on your new bolt action centerfire, first. Learn to shoot on the .22lr, and practice with it. Once you've shot a thousand rounds through the .22 lr from 10 yards to 100 yards, then move up to the AR-15, and practice with it. It is also fairly inexpensive to shoot. After several hundred rounds through the AR-15, I would get the bolt action you plan to hunt with, and move the scope on the .22 lr over to it. Then learn to shoot the new bolt action.

I don't know your money situation, and it is none of my business. But this is the best path you can take, in my opinion. It is May, you have 6 months until rifle deer season.



GTB, I think this is the best advice. Shooting a rimfire rifle is excellent practice and will help you build good habits. Good habits are essential to good shooting, and shooting too much rifle (in other words, too large a cartridge) too soon is bound to cause you to build bad habits and little to NO confidence. Master the .22 LR, then go to the AR15 and shoot it until it seems natural to you. THEN start thinking about a deer rifle. Keep on reading and asking questions, and when the time to buy a deer rifle comes you'll be better prepared to choose something.


Since he already has an AR, couldn't he just buy the CMMG 22 conversion for the AR and use that as his "trainer" rifle to shoot cheap ammo? May save a little money and he could keep the scope on th AR just use the original bolt when he's ready for 223.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 03:15 AM

Originally Posted By: unclebubba
A .22 is not necessarily a noob rifle. I've been hunting and shooting since age 6 or 7, and I'm 44 now. .22 is one of my favorite rifles... I currently own 6 of them. With low recoil, you can shoot 500 rounds for less than the cost of feeding your family at taco Bell. Because you can shoot all day, and so many rounds it gives you lots of practice at trigger control and form...not to mention squirrel and rabbit hunting is a great way to improve your hunting skills, and they are tasty. Besides that, 22s are just fun. Oh, and they're cheap.


Thanks unclebubba for the comments.

So with the .22 rifle:

1. Can it shoot for 50-200 yards?
2. You mentioned I can shoot all day for practice, does this mean the barrel will not get hot between firing rounds like the bigger caliber rifles?
Posted By: scottfromdallas

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 03:21 AM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

2. You mentioned I can shoot all day for practice, does this mean the barrel will not get hot between firing rounds like the bigger caliber rifles?


Now I'm pretty sure we have a troll


You all have fun. I'm bailing on this tread.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 03:26 AM

Originally Posted By: patriot07


Goodo Texas Boy - the reason several have suggested a 22 is because ammo is stupid cheap. The rifle will be around $200-$300, plus a $150 scope, plus $1k rounds of ammo at $100, and you've got 1,000 rounds of rifle practice for $500. 1,000 rounds of 6.5 creedmoor or 308 will cost $1200-$1500 for the ammo alone.

I'd also consider maybe just getting a 223 bolt gun instead of a 22 since you have an AR-15. Ammo could be about half the price of a 308 or 6.5 creedmoor. But 22 ammo is truly dirt cheap if you want to start that way.


Thanks patriot07,

Good cost analysis Thanks,

So if I practice with the .22lr and learn the fundamentals of consistently shooting accuracy, are you stating once I buy bigger rifle (6.5 creedmoor or 308, etc.) I will spend less money practicing and sighting it? So basically, I am practicing at a cheaper cost and less wear and tear on bigger rifle.

Is the 223 bolt action rifle more of hunting rifle then a AR 223?
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 03:28 AM

Originally Posted By: scottfromdallas
Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

2. You mentioned I can shoot all day for practice, does this mean the barrel will not get hot between firing rounds like the bigger caliber rifles?


Now I'm pretty sure we have a troll


You all have fun. I'm bailing on this tread.


scottfromdallas,

I am not a troll, I am just asking questions. If I knew the answer I wouldn't waste everyone time asking. I ask because a co worker said bigger rifles get very hot after about 3 rounds fired and have to wait about 10 minutes for the rifle to cool off. I am just asking questions and learning and having fun. Within the next two weeks I will be buying one of the options we discuss here. Great forum
Posted By: unclebubba

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 04:17 AM

What you should be asking is how far is a .22 accurate. You can be fairly accurate out to 100 yards. Usually, most of my.22 shooting in 50 yards or less, but the principles are the same.
Any rifle will heat up if you shoot enough rounds quickly enough, but if you are heating up a .22, you are shooting too fast to be accurate anyhow.
Posted By: patriot07

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 04:48 AM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: patriot07


Goodo Texas Boy - the reason several have suggested a 22 is because ammo is stupid cheap. The rifle will be around $200-$300, plus a $150 scope, plus $1k rounds of ammo at $100, and you've got 1,000 rounds of rifle practice for $500. 1,000 rounds of 6.5 creedmoor or 308 will cost $1200-$1500 for the ammo alone.

I'd also consider maybe just getting a 223 bolt gun instead of a 22 since you have an AR-15. Ammo could be about half the price of a 308 or 6.5 creedmoor. But 22 ammo is truly dirt cheap if you want to start that way.


Thanks patriot07,

Good cost analysis Thanks,

So if I practice with the .22lr and learn the fundamentals of consistently shooting accuracy, are you stating once I buy bigger rifle (6.5 creedmoor or 308, etc.) I will spend less money practicing and sighting it? So basically, I am practicing at a cheaper cost and less wear and tear on bigger rifle.

Is the 223 bolt action rifle more of hunting rifle then a AR 223?


No, you won't want to spend less time and rounds practicing, but your practice will transition from 100-150 rounds at the range to dry firing at home and 20-50 rounds at the range.

The 223 bolt gun is not more or less of a hunting rifle than your AR. I suppose in reality you can practice with the AR-15 just as well as a bolt gun.

For the 22, I'd consider a used CZ ($350) or a Savage ($200). For the scope, if you aren't going to buy a scope with a good mil reticle and turrets, I've actually really enjoyed using my Bushnell AR 223 3-9x40 scope. I actually use it on my 22 rifle (Ruger 10/22). It's got pretty decent glass for the price range. I paid $100 on clearance at Academy.

Other option would be to go ahead and buy the 6.5 or 308 and the 22 at the same time. Then you can do most of your range time with the 22 while starting to learn your hunting gun. The downside here is that once you've been shooting for awhile, you might decide that what you thought you wanted and what you want after getting some experience are not the same thing. And also, you'd definitely have to buy another scope.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 01:21 PM

Thank you all,

How far can a .22 rifle shoot accurately?

Thanks
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 01:47 PM

Depends on target size, and what your scope is capable of. I have gone as far as 300 yards. Rumor is, that is almost like 1000 yards + with a .308 Win. For the average Joe, 150 yards is a significant distance with a .22 lr.
Posted By: booradley

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 01:59 PM

Howdy.
Posted By: rjd

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 02:16 PM

If you want to take a day and come up here, I will take you to a range, introduce you to the basics of safety and shooting and let you shoot several rifles (.22, .223, .25-06 and others to get you a feel for what is what and what might be the best way for you to proceed. I can also furnish some highly biased opinions.
Posted By: RiverRider

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 02:26 PM

Originally Posted By: rjd
I can also furnish some highly biased opinions.



rock_on
Posted By: DH3

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 11:01 PM

O.P. has figured out a way to get a LOT of responses.
I am beginning to wonder if the request is only...

Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 11:15 PM

High fence or low fence?
Posted By: RiverRider

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/09/18 11:15 PM

You COULD be right, but this guy's posts are all pretty consistent and align well with who he says he is, which is someone he knows next to nothing but is interested in the sport. I can give him the benefit of the doubt, at least for now. At this point I see no reason to doubt his sincerity. He had NO exposure to shooting or hunting for practically his entire life, so why would he know even the first thing about rifles, scopes, cartridges, and hunting? Do we want to attract more people to these pursuits, or not? Give the guy a break, at least until he exposes himself as being a troll. I see no evidence of it.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 12:41 AM

Hello all,

So today I went to Texas Gun Club in Stafford Texas and rented a 243 Savage rifle with scope https://www.cabelas.com/product/SAVAGE-AXIS-II-XP-W-WEAVER-SCOPE-RIFLE/1849999.uts. for practice. This was the only rifle they had there to for rent.

I used Federal ammunition 243 Win 100 Grain soft point with 20 bullets. Expensive too.

http://prntscr.com/jfwogo

I was shooting at 50 yards away and the rifle was sighted for 50 yards.

For my first time I noticed

1. More recoil then shooting my AR 15 223.
2. Using the scope I was shooting more accurately then the AR 223 with only iron sights. But I definetly need some one on one instructor training to be sure I am doing the fundamentals correct. I do that later.
3. The barrel does get hot faster
4. Overall I like the accuracy, but I was only 50 yards, hmmmm, not sure I will be this accuracy at 100 yards, but thats another topic.

Few questions

1. Will a 270 rifle have a bit more recoil then 243?
2. http://prntscr.com/jfwr1d why is the 270 bullet bigger then the 308?
3. Is 243 and 270 100 grade bullet efficient for hunting deer in Texas?

Thanks
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 12:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Few questions

1. Will a 270 rifle have a bit more recoil then 243?
2. http://prntscr.com/jfwr1d why is the 270 bullet bigger then the 308?


So, now it looks like you are trolling. Either that, or you are not paying attention to answers that have already been given, in this very thread.


Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Short action, is just that, it is a shorter bolt and action than a long action. Short action cartridges are .308 Win, 7mm-08, .260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, .243 Win, ect.

Long actions cartridges will be of the same caliber (bullet diameter) but be a longer piece of brass, holding more powder, making more velocity, and creating more recoil. Some examples, with the same bolt face as the cartridges mentioned above at .30-06 (big brother to the .308) 284 Winchester, 280 Remington (big brothers to the 7mm-08) 6.5-06, 6.5-284 (big brothers to the .260 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor)

Cartridge names can get confusing very easily. Some go by the metric designation, others go by the exact decimal inch designation, others go by an approximate decimal inch designation. There is no standard to call things what they are. Manufacturers call it what they feel like. Historically metric cartridges did not do well in the U.S. but that is going away. Here are the calibers or bore sizes, if you were to order a barrel:

.17"
.204"
.224" (called twenty two, or two two three)
6mm (two fourty three)
6.5mm (two sixty, two six four)
.277" (two seventy, six point eight)
7mm (two eighty, two eighty four)
.308" (thirty caliber, three hundred, three oh eight)
.325"
.338"
.375"

And others.

Just in the list of 11 bore diameters there are hundreds of cartridges. Take the .308" bore, for instance. .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .30 Nosler, .300 Weatherby, .300 Remington Ultra Mag, .30 Norma Mag, as some examples. All those names are different chamberings, so different case lengths, case geometry, and powder capacities, but they all started out as a thirty caliber barrel, before they were centered in a lathe and a chamber cut into them.

It can take a long time, and lots of reading to wrap your head around the whole thing.

Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 01:03 AM

1. A .243 will kill anything that is sucking air. How good a shot are you?

2. I personally prefer a 300 mag. I’m a good shot, not afraid of recoil, handload, and want to make sure whatever I’m shooting at dies, even if I hit it in the big toe.

3. Statement 1 will answer statements 1-3.
Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 01:08 AM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Few questions

1. Will a 270 rifle have a bit more recoil then 243?
2. http://prntscr.com/jfwr1d why is the 270 bullet bigger then the 308?


So, now it looks like you are trolling. Either that, or you are not paying attention to answers that have already been given, in this very thread.


Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Short action, is just that, it is a shorter bolt and action than a long action. Short action cartridges are .308 Win, 7mm-08, .260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, .243 Win, ect.

Long actions cartridges will be of the same caliber (bullet diameter) but be a longer piece of brass, holding more powder, making more velocity, and creating more recoil. Some examples, with the same bolt face as the cartridges mentioned above at .30-06 (big brother to the .308) 284 Winchester, 280 Remington (big brothers to the 7mm-08) 6.5-06, 6.5-284 (big brothers to the .260 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor)

Cartridge names can get confusing very easily. Some go by the metric designation, others go by the exact decimal inch designation, others go by an approximate decimal inch designation. There is no standard to call things what they are. Manufacturers call it what they feel like. Historically metric cartridges did not do well in the U.S. but that is going away. Here are the calibers or bore sizes, if you were to order a barrel:

.17"
.204"
.224" (called twenty two, or two two three)
6mm (two fourty three)
6.5mm (two sixty, two six four)
.277" (two seventy, six point eight)
7mm (two eighty, two eighty four)
.308" (thirty caliber, three hundred, three oh eight)
.325"
.338"
.375"

And others.

Just in the list of 11 bore diameters there are hundreds of cartridges. Take the .308" bore, for instance. .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .30 Nosler, .300 Weatherby, .300 Remington Ultra Mag, .30 Norma Mag, as some examples. All those names are different chamberings, so different case lengths, case geometry, and powder capacities, but they all started out as a thirty caliber barrel, before they were centered in a lathe and a chamber cut into them.

It can take a long time, and lots of reading to wrap your head around the whole thing.



I have my suspicions.
Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 01:09 AM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Hello all,

So today I went to Texas Gun Club in Stafford Texas and rented a 243 Savage rifle with scope https://www.cabelas.com/product/SAVAGE-AXIS-II-XP-W-WEAVER-SCOPE-RIFLE/1849999.uts. for practice. This was the only rifle they had there to for rent.

I used Federal ammunition 243 Win 100 Grain soft point with 20 bullets. Expensive too.

http://prntscr.com/jfwogo

I was shooting at 50 yards away and the rifle was sighted for 50 yards.

For my first time I noticed

1. More recoil then shooting my AR 15 223.
2. Using the scope I was shooting more accurately then the AR 223 with only iron sights. But I definetly need some one on one instructor training to be sure I am doing the fundamentals correct. I do that later.
3. The barrel does get hot faster
4. Overall I like the accuracy, but I was only 50 yards, hmmmm, not sure I will be this accuracy at 100 yards, but thats another topic.

Few questions

1. Will a 270 rifle have a bit more recoil then 243?
2. http://prntscr.com/jfwr1d why is the 270 bullet bigger then the 308?
3. Is 243 and 270 100 grade bullet efficient for hunting deer in Texas?

Thanks


Did google break??
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 01:16 AM

Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Few questions

1. Will a 270 rifle have a bit more recoil then 243?
2. http://prntscr.com/jfwr1d why is the 270 bullet bigger then the 308?


So, now it looks like you are trolling. Either that, or you are not paying attention to answers that have already been given, in this very thread.


Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Short action, is just that, it is a shorter bolt and action than a long action. Short action cartridges are .308 Win, 7mm-08, .260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, .243 Win, ect.

Long actions cartridges will be of the same caliber (bullet diameter) but be a longer piece of brass, holding more powder, making more velocity, and creating more recoil. Some examples, with the same bolt face as the cartridges mentioned above at .30-06 (big brother to the .308) 284 Winchester, 280 Remington (big brothers to the 7mm-08) 6.5-06, 6.5-284 (big brothers to the .260 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor)

Cartridge names can get confusing very easily. Some go by the metric designation, others go by the exact decimal inch designation, others go by an approximate decimal inch designation. There is no standard to call things what they are. Manufacturers call it what they feel like. Historically metric cartridges did not do well in the U.S. but that is going away. Here are the calibers or bore sizes, if you were to order a barrel:

.17"
.204"
.224" (called twenty two, or two two three)
6mm (two fourty three)
6.5mm (two sixty, two six four)
.277" (two seventy, six point eight)
7mm (two eighty, two eighty four)
.308" (thirty caliber, three hundred, three oh eight)
.325"
.338"
.375"

And others.

Just in the list of 11 bore diameters there are hundreds of cartridges. Take the .308" bore, for instance. .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .30 Nosler, .300 Weatherby, .300 Remington Ultra Mag, .30 Norma Mag, as some examples. All those names are different chamberings, so different case lengths, case geometry, and powder capacities, but they all started out as a thirty caliber barrel, before they were centered in a lathe and a chamber cut into them.

It can take a long time, and lots of reading to wrap your head around the whole thing.



Thanks, so the 270 would be consider as long action cartridges which recreates more recoil then 243 and 308. ok, Considering I am not a fan of alot of recoil, that nails it down to short action rifles.

Also, what is this trolling stuff about? Lol. I will try to limit my questions and re read the thread before asking a question.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 01:17 AM

Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
1. A .243 will kill anything that is sucking air. How good a shot are you?



Not that good, I get there eventually.
Posted By: J.G.

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 01:17 AM

Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
Did google break??


That's what I'm sayin. whip
Posted By: RiverRider

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 02:22 AM

Interesting, now that I look a little more closely...anyone else suspect we're dealing with someone whose first language is not English?
Posted By: Nogalus Prairie

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 02:24 AM

He’s messing with y’all just to see how long you will stay on the line. It’s been apparent for quite a while now.
Posted By: RiverRider

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 02:30 AM

So, NP...are ya sayin the level of ignorance just gots ta be contrived??

grin
Posted By: Nogalus Prairie

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 02:43 AM

Originally Posted By: RiverRider
So, NP...are ya sayin the level of ignorance just gots ta be contrived??

grin


Not necessarily. But the clues in this case are pretty clear. smile
Posted By: Dalee7892

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 02:45 AM

Y'all look at this guys activity on here, he's posted in numerous sites from general discussion, optics, hog hunting and here.
bs spam troll
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 02:48 AM

Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted By: RiverRider
So, NP...are ya sayin the level of ignorance just gots ta be contrived??

grin


Not necessarily. But the clues in this case are pretty clear. smile


Nogalus Prairie,

I have a question for you.

How did you learn about hunting and rifles? At what age did you learn this?

Thanks
Posted By: scottfromdallas

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 03:10 AM

Come on NP, answer his question! whip
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 03:52 AM

[quote=DH3]O.P. has figured out a way to get a LOT of responses.
I am beginning to wonder if the request is only...


DH3,

I have a question for you.

How did you learn about hunting and rifles? At what age did you learn this?

Thanks
Posted By: Nogalus Prairie

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 03:58 AM

Originally Posted by Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted by Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted by RiverRider
So, NP...are ya sayin the level of ignorance just gots ta be contrived??

grin


Not necessarily. But the clues in this case are pretty clear. smile


Nogalus Prairie,

I have a question for you.

How did you learn about hunting and rifles? At what age did you learn this?

Thanks



I’m glad you asked that. You see Goodo, it goes like this. Daddy always said I was born a hunter. I hail from the woods of east Texas. But my roots are from points even further east. My great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great granddaddy was a fellow who hailed from Tennessee - one Daniel Boone. You may have even heard of him. To this day, I can take you to the tree where he “Cilled a Bar in 1760”. I won’t bore you with the details of my forebears from that point on - suffice it to say each one was skilled beyond measure. Humility prevents me from saying much more, but here’s an old film clip that survived of Granddaddy Dan’s grandsons and great grandsons, mountain men by the names of “Bear Claw” Chris Lapp and Jeremiah Johnson:



Moving along in time, my various great grandpappies included Kit Carson, Teddy Roosevelt, Col. Jim Corbett, and Jack O’Connor. (Now, birth certificates won’t show all that, mind you, because there were some undocumented, shall we say, “shenanigans” that took place through the years in the woods, in various hunting camps, and on an occasional African safari or Indian shikar.) Some Native American ancestry came into play also, which I credit for my prodigious tracking skills. Anyway, forget about ink stains on some dried up pages - blood is blood and blood will show.

And it showed in me at any early age. My Pap said that even as I suckled at Mam’s breast that I would break loose, turn the nipple, and kill any flies in proximity with well-places squirts of milk. My first targets were stationary of course (a boy’s got to learn), but by 3 months of age I was shooting them out of the air with ease.

At the age of 18 months, I was building slingshots out of sticks and bicycle innertubes. No creature was safe from my wrath - I kept the family larder stocked with rabbits, quail, and the occasional whitetail fawn from that point on until the age of 3 or so. At that point, my Native American heritage again came to the fore as (completely without aid or assistance, mind you), I constructed my first bow from a Bois D’arc tree and arrows from cedar limbs. This broadened my horizons to whitetails of all sizes, wild hogs, and the occasional Nilgai that wandered east from time to time. The family continued to eat well.

It was at this point that the second part of your question becomes relevant. At around the age of 5, I found a musket left over from the Indian depredations in an old creek bed during one of my larder-stocking sojourns with my bow. This was a sign to me that it was time to move onward and upward. Fortunately, the gun had been coated by the sap of a sweetgum tree soon after its abandonment, and was perfectly well-preserved. A little bobcat tallow grease, some lead balls melted from old railroad spikes gathered during my travels, and some explosive powder winnowed down from Black Cat firecrackers stolen from my bother - and I was set with my first long gun. Modesty prevents me from detailing the variety of animals that fell to that gun’s bark and the prodigious ranges at which many of them fell - but suffice it to say our larder and all our neighbors’ for miles around remained full for years to come.

The rest is rather uninteresting from that point, as I moved up to the brass-cartridged rifles that so many have spoken about above and that you are learning so much about thanks to your seemingly insatiable curiosity.

I hope my little story in answer to your question has at least contributed in some small measure to sate your appetite for learning from the experiences of others. I say humbly, it’s not much - but it’s all I have to share.

Good luck as you write your own story on the pages of history in the weeks, months, and years to come.

up
Posted By: Bee'z

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 04:12 AM

I was 50/50 but now I am just popcorn A part of me says he really wants to learn though honestly.
Posted By: ImTheReasonDovesMourn

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 04:46 AM

Originally Posted By: 2Beez
I was 50/50 but now I am just popcorn A part of me says he really wants to learn though honestly.


I've profiled him pretty severely and I think he's honestly wanting to gather as much information as possible before he starts peeling off a stack of cash for a rifle. I can respect that. I overanalyze stuff too. But I also see some Hatchetface in him, so he'll have to find a different mentor.


Posted By: Dalee7892

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 05:23 AM

NP, you've got a good yarn.
Posted By: booradley

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 10:44 AM

To be nice I didn’t push it but I’ve thought this was trolling all along. If it isn’t trolling it ought to be.
Posted By: Pitchfork Predator

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted by Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted by Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted by RiverRider
So, NP...are ya sayin the level of ignorance just gots ta be contrived??

grin


Not necessarily. But the clues in this case are pretty clear. smile


Nogalus Prairie,

I have a question for you.

How did you learn about hunting and rifles? At what age did you learn this?

Thanks



I’m glad you asked that. You see Goodo, it goes like this. Daddy always said I was born a hunter. I hail from the woods of east Texas. But my roots are from points even further east. My great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great granddaddy was a fellow who hailed from Tennessee - one Daniel Boone. You may have even heard of him. To this day, I can take you to the tree where he “Cilled a Bar in 1760”. I won’t bore you with the details of my forebears from that point on - suffice it to say each one was skilled beyond measure. Humility prevents me from saying much more, but here’s an old film clip that survived of Granddaddy Dan’s grandsons and great grandsons, mountain men by the names of “Bear Claw” Chris Lapp and Jeremiah Johnson:



Moving along in time, my various great grandpappies included Kit Carson, Teddy Roosevelt, Col. Jim Corbett, and Jack O’Connor. (Now, birth certificates won’t show all that, mind you, because there were some undocumented, shall we say, “shenanigans” that took place through the years in the woods, in various hunting camps, and on an occasional African safari or Indian shikar.) Some Native American ancestry came into play also, which I credit for my prodigious tracking skills. Anyway, forget about ink stains on some dried up pages - blood is blood and blood will show.

And it showed in me at any early age. My Pap said that even as I suckled at Mam’s breast that I would break loose, turn the nipple, and kill any flies in proximity with well-places squirts of milk. My first targets were stationary of course (a boy’s got to learn), but by 3 months of age I was shooting them out of the air with ease.

At the age of 18 months, I was building slingshots out of sticks and bicycle innertubes. No creature was safe from my wrath - I kept the family larder stocked with rabbits, quail, and the occasional whitetail fawn from that point on until the age of 3 or so. At that point, my Native American heritage again came to the fore as (completely without aid or assistance, mind you), I constructed my first bow from a Bois D’arc tree and arrows from cedar limbs. This broadened my horizons to whitetails of all sizes, wild hogs, and the occasional Nilgai that wandered east from time to time. The family continued to eat well.

It was at this point that the second part of your question becomes relevant. At around the age of 5, I found a musket left over from the Indian depredations in an old creek bed during one of my larder-stocking sojourns with my bow. This was a sign to me that it was time to move onward and upward. Fortunately, the gun had been coated by the sap of a sweetgum tree soon after its abandonment, and was perfectly well-preserved. A little bobcat tallow grease, some lead balls melted from old railroad spikes gathered during my travels, and some explosive powder winnowed down from Black Cat firecrackers stolen from my bother - and I was set with my first long gun. Modesty prevents me from detailing the variety of animals that fell to that gun’s bark and the prodigious ranges at which many of them fell - but suffice it to say our larder and all our neighbors’ for miles around remained full for years to come.

The rest is rather uninteresting from that point, as I moved up to the brass-cartridged rifles that so many have spoken about above and that you are learning so much about thanks to your seemingly insatiable curiosity.

I hope my little story in answer to your question has at least contributed in some small measure to sate your appetite for learning from the experiences of others. I say humbly, it’s not much - but it’s all I have to share.

Good luck as you write your own story on the pages of history in the weeks, months, and years to come.

up


F would be my grade..........hammer
Posted By: Pitchfork Predator

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 11:37 AM

GTB, you've met the queen troll Nogalus Prairie.

I think you have enough info to get started. You would be better off to end this thread now. troll
Posted By: Nogalus Prairie

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 12:37 PM

Originally Posted By: Dalee7892
NP, you've got a good yarn.


Your skepticism cuts me to the core. grin
Posted By: GLC

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 01:19 PM

Maybe he is trying to get to 100 posts? Because by the traffic, it is working.
Posted By: QuitShootinYoungBucks

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 01:22 PM

Y'all just now figuring out this is a troll?
Posted By: Pitchfork Predator

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 01:52 PM

If you think he's trolling it's really easy to click the back button and go to another thread isn't it?

If that's hard for you to do then you are looking at the definition of a troll in the mirror.
Posted By: Nogalus Prairie

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 03:13 PM

Originally Posted By: Pitchfork Predator
If you think he's trolling it's really easy to click the back button and go to another thread isn't it?

If that's hard for you to do then you are looking at the definition of a troll in the mirror.


You have a back button too. You do realize that constantly trolling folks who in your opinion are trolls makes you a troll, right? nidea
Posted By: Rock Rancher

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 04:01 PM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

1. Will a 270 rifle have a bit more recoil then 243?

3. Is 243 and 270 100 grade bullet efficient for hunting deer in Texas?

Thanks


Yes, the 270 will typically have significantly more recoil than a 243, all other things being equal. Read this table: https://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

A 243 with a 100 grain bullet will kill deer in Texas quite dead, assuming you can put the bullet where it should go. It will do the same for hogs if you can put the bullet in the right place. The 270 will kill them "deader", and possibly ruin more meat, depending on bullet and load choices. Not sure what you mean by "efficient". The 270 will use more powder and bullet to accomplish the same "deadness" and it will hurt your shoulder more than a 243. Either is plenty effective on deer and hogs out to about 250 yards, again, assuming you can put the bullet in the right place and you understand bullet drop and wind effects at different ranges.

I recommend reading a lot about shot placement before actually pointing your weapon at a deer or hog. There's plenty on the web about it. Optimal shot placement is different for hogs and deer.

Sorry fellas - I felt compelled to kick that horse one more time - giving benefit of the doubt.
Posted By: Pitchfork Predator

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 04:09 PM

Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted By: Pitchfork Predator
If you think he's trolling it's really easy to click the back button and go to another thread isn't it?

If that's hard for you to do then you are looking at the definition of a troll in the mirror.


You have a back button too. You do realize that constantly trolling folks who in your opinion are trolls makes you a troll, right? nidea


I knew you'd be the first Troll to respond. But you are the Queen Troll of this forum. Yeah I have a back button. The reason I didn't use it is I TOLD THE OP TO COME TO THIS THREAD TO ASK ADVICE ABOUT HIS RIFLE PURCHASE! I should of known trolls like you would show up sooner or later. I will give the benefit of the doubt to a new op who introduces his self in the open hunting topic and asks for help to participate in our sport. Like this OP did. If he ends up being a troll, I'm willing to take the risk on him. If your not and have nothing constructive to add to this thread regarding his choice of a hunting rifle get the hell out of it TROLL.
Posted By: Dalee7892

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 04:20 PM

PP, since your saying he is for real. I believe you. It appears that he is getting the best info for a greener in this field.
I hope he follows thru with his interest.
Posted By: Pitchfork Predator

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 06:16 PM

Originally Posted By: Rock Rancher
Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

1. Will a 270 rifle have a bit more recoil then 243?

3. Is 243 and 270 100 grade bullet efficient for hunting deer in Texas?

Thanks


Yes, the 270 will typically have significantly more recoil than a 243, all other things being equal. Read this table: https://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

A 243 with a 100 grain bullet will kill deer in Texas quite dead, assuming you can put the bullet where it should go. It will do the same for hogs if you can put the bullet in the right place. The 270 will kill them "deader", and possibly ruin more meat, depending on bullet and load choices. Not sure what you mean by "efficient". The 270 will use more powder and bullet to accomplish the same "deadness" and it will hurt your shoulder more than a 243. Either is plenty effective on deer and hogs out to about 250 yards, again, assuming you can put the bullet in the right place and you understand bullet drop and wind effects at different ranges.

I recommend reading a lot about shot placement before actually pointing your weapon at a deer or hog. There's plenty on the web about it. Optimal shot placement is different for hogs and deer.

Sorry fellas - I felt compelled to kick that horse one more time - giving benefit of the doubt.


up
Posted By: Pitchfork Predator

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 06:17 PM

Originally Posted By: Dalee7892
PP, since your saying he is for real. I believe you. It appears that he is getting the best info for a greener in this field.
I hope he follows thru with his interest.


up
Posted By: Smokey Bear

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/10/18 06:52 PM

Goodo boy, you are over thinking it. The early settlers hunted most big game species to the brink of extinction. They used open sighted muzzle loaders and black powder cartridges. Take what you have and practice till you can hit what you are shooting at. If you want a bolt gun, all the calibers mentioned will work and have been used effectively, You need to shoot them accurately. None of them have excessive recoil. That's why they are all popular.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/11/18 02:48 AM

Originally Posted By: Smokey Bear
Goodo boy, you are over thinking it. The early settlers hunted most big game species to the brink of extinction. They used open sighted muzzle loaders and black powder cartridges. Take what you have and practice till you can hit what you are shooting at. If you want a bolt gun, all the calibers mentioned will work and have been used effectively, You need to shoot them accurately. None of them have excessive recoil. That's why they are all popular.


Thank you and I appreciate it. I will shoot with AR 15 with scope and choose either a 243 or 270 with scope and shoot with them til I am accurate.
Posted By: patriot07

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/11/18 02:55 AM

For what you're wanting to do, go with a 6.5 creedmoor. It's superior to the 243 in hunting, superior to the 308 in recoil, and has fantastic factory ammo available.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/11/18 03:01 AM

Originally Posted by Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted by Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted by Nogalus Prairie
Originally Posted by RiverRider
So, NP...are ya sayin the level of ignorance just gots ta be contrived??

grin


Not necessarily. But the clues in this case are pretty clear. smile


Nogalus Prairie,

I have a question for you.

How did you learn about hunting and rifles? At what age did you learn this?

Thanks



I’m glad you asked that. You see Goodo, it goes like this. Daddy always said I was born a hunter. I hail from the woods of east Texas. But my roots are from points even further east. My great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great granddaddy was a fellow who hailed from Tennessee - one Daniel Boone. You may have even heard of him. To this day, I can take you to the tree where he “Cilled a Bar in 1760”. I won’t bore you with the details of my forebears from that point on - suffice it to say each one was skilled beyond measure. Humility prevents me from saying much more, but here’s an old film clip that survived of Granddaddy Dan’s grandsons and great grandsons, mountain men by the names of “Bear Claw” Chris Lapp and Jeremiah Johnson:



Moving along in time, my various great grandpappies included Kit Carson, Teddy Roosevelt, Col. Jim Corbett, and Jack O’Connor. (Now, birth certificates won’t show all that, mind you, because there were some undocumented, shall we say, “shenanigans” that took place through the years in the woods, in various hunting camps, and on an occasional African safari or Indian shikar.) Some Native American ancestry came into play also, which I credit for my prodigious tracking skills. Anyway, forget about ink stains on some dried up pages - blood is blood and blood will show.

And it showed in me at any early age. My Pap said that even as I suckled at Mam’s breast that I would break loose, turn the nipple, and kill any flies in proximity with well-places squirts of milk. My first targets were stationary of course (a boy’s got to learn), but by 3 months of age I was shooting them out of the air with ease.

At the age of 18 months, I was building slingshots out of sticks and bicycle innertubes. No creature was safe from my wrath - I kept the family larder stocked with rabbits, quail, and the occasional whitetail fawn from that point on until the age of 3 or so. At that point, my Native American heritage again came to the fore as (completely without aid or assistance, mind you), I constructed my first bow from a Bois D’arc tree and arrows from cedar limbs. This broadened my horizons to whitetails of all sizes, wild hogs, and the occasional Nilgai that wandered east from time to time. The family continued to eat well.

It was at this point that the second part of your question becomes relevant. At around the age of 5, I found a musket left over from the Indian depredations in an old creek bed during one of my larder-stocking sojourns with my bow. This was a sign to me that it was time to move onward and upward. Fortunately, the gun had been coated by the sap of a sweetgum tree soon after its abandonment, and was perfectly well-preserved. A little bobcat tallow grease, some lead balls melted from old railroad spikes gathered during my travels, and some explosive powder winnowed down from Black Cat firecrackers stolen from my bother - and I was set with my first long gun. Modesty prevents me from detailing the variety of animals that fell to that gun’s bark and the prodigious ranges at which many of them fell - but suffice it to say our larder and all our neighbors’ for miles around remained full for years to come.

The rest is rather uninteresting from that point, as I moved up to the brass-cartridged rifles that so many have spoken about above and that you are learning so much about thanks to your seemingly insatiable curiosity.

I hope my little story in answer to your question has at least contributed in some small measure to sate your appetite for learning from the experiences of others. I say humbly, it’s not much - but it’s all I have to share.

Good luck as you write your own story on the pages of history in the weeks, months, and years to come.

up


Nogalus Prairie ,

Now think about for about 20 minutes how different your hunting experience would have been if you had no father and grandfather in your life at early age through adult hood. Be thankful you had a father to teach you hunting and the great outdoors.
Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/11/18 03:05 AM

Originally Posted By: booradley
To be nice I didn’t push it but I’ve thought this was trolling all along. If it isn’t trolling it ought to be.


We can end this thread now. Thanks all for the help. smile I will update everyone on what rifle I chose to purchase with scope. Thank you.
Posted By: booradley

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/11/18 05:52 PM

Originally Posted By: Goodo Texas Boy
Originally Posted By: booradley
To be nice I didn’t push it but I’ve thought this was trolling all along. If it isn’t trolling it ought to be.


We can end this thread now. Thanks all for the help. smile I will update everyone on what rifle I chose to purchase with scope. Thank you.


Sent you a PM.
Posted By: WileyCoyote

Re: Need Help Buying First Hunting Rifle - 05/13/18 02:46 PM

Another take on your ??'s about calibers and ammo....

Until you start to Reload you own ammo the least expensive ammo will come from the Annual Hunting Season Sales period in 5 calibers: 243, 308, 270, & 30'06 plus the ancient but still game functional 30-30.

IMO first 4 of these 5 calibers are capable of successfully harvesting almost any Game Animal in most the lower 48 States. There are about the same number of slightly more expensive calibers that wil be offered in the Seasonal Markdowns that also deserve consideration as a Do All calber in the 25'06, 6.5's CM & ? 260, 7-08 and 7Rem Mg. I would suggest the 6.5CM, 7-08 & 308 as the 1st group of 3 calibers to study up on where there are no bad choices...with the 7-08 as the Best Choice Overall anywhere in the Lower 48 States for anything...and I still don't own one YET.

I am not a proponent of the CF 22's for Do All usage even though they are capable of killing WT & Hogs when shot by an experienced shooter who can place his bullet where it needs to go more than just as an average shooter can consistently. IMO Hunting Calibers should start at 25 caliber or larger.

All of the These calibers lend themselves to cheaper IE more often trips to the Shooting Range to practice. Like most acquired skill sets more practice is the keystone at the expected distances, and the less expensive that range visit is the more you will be willing to do it as an everyday thing. Even a well known very experienced shooter on this forum shoots a bullet or 2 everyday from a tuned rifle to keep his skills topped off at the accuracy level he demands of himself, and kudos to him for that dedication, I would too if I had a Range in my front yard.

Basic grades of Factory ammo is where we all started, but better more expensive ammo is wasted until YOU can shoot better at the minimum distances needed to learn at of 100 yards or less...THEN you can take advantage of the better ammo that folks like Chad @ Dallas Reloads can provide and shoot asprin sized groups consistently, or learn to build it yourself. Have fun and you can make your self into a better more confident shooter & hunter by following the learning curve in the ususal progressive steps.

...and YES the Tikka T3's have set a high minimum standard of accuracy that the less spendy "Budget Guns" have trouble acheiving on an every day/every gun basis...and IMO is the "safest most accurate bet" as the least expensive option for a new shooter. BTDT 3 times and counting...and have owned waaay too many "deer rifles" over the last 50+years of trigger pulling at fur.

JMHO & YMMV
Ron
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